Back on Track

July 30, 2011

Early tomorrow morning, Madeleine and I head back to Conakry, and as the sun sets on our Summer 2011, we cannot help but feel a twinge of heavy heartedness as we prepare to leave this land of plenty and beauty to once again pursue our frugal and sometimes challenging yet simple lives 8000 km away on the black continent. We do not quite know what to expect upon our arrival...a ‘failed’ coup d’état happened last week and messages from our friends in Conakry lead us to believe that the newly found optimism that appeared to reign in our temporary homeland last June had been somewhat shaken.

But tonight is tonight, and tomorrow will be tomorrow. Patrick, Madeleine, and I sip our coffees and reminisce about the past 6 weeks. To me, its been one of my best summers, a summer filled with rest and lots of opportunities to appreciate family and friends, all on this splendid stage that is Vancouver and Canada. Memorable moments come to mind: evening of bike riding in Saskatoon, road trip to Manitoba, our 30th anniversary party in Ste-Anne, my extended, sometimes wet walks in the cool clean air of our Vancouver indian winter, nibbling on the delicious sharp white Peterborough cheddar in White Rock with Steve and Marcy, and who could forget that gourmet eggs benedict breakfast pizza served at our June Tribal Council?

As we reminisce, the inevitable intrusive thought comes back to haunt us. Why on earth are we leaving the comforts of this land of wealth, stability, justice, jaw dropping beauty and compassion to go live in a failed nation third world country in Africa. What on earth are we thinking, let alone doing?!

And then, out of the blue, comes a few pearls of wisdom from my philosopher son...“You guys still have some shit that you need to go change over there...that’s why you’re going back there.” That’s my son, the articulate philosopher prince. Summed it up in one tidy tiny descriptive sentence. Thanks Patrick for getting me back on track.